Comparison of the Clinical and Biochemical Profile of Metabolic Syndrome Between Obese Children Below and Above 10-Years Old Attending Paediatric Clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2006 to 2015

Abstract

Objectives. We aim to compare the clinical and biochemical profile of metabolic syndrome between obese children below and above 10 years attending Paediatric clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) from 2006 to 2015. This is to determine if age, particularly the transition to puberty, modifies the prevalence of components of metabolic syndrome in obese children. Results. Majority of subjects in both age groups were boys, with 68.2% <10 years old. Mean age was 9.69 years (±3.36). The clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome were similar between those <10 years old and >10 years, with the exception of BMI, waist circumference, SBP and TG level. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the parameters of metabolic syndrome significantly associated with age ≥10 years were systolic hypertension (adjusted OR 7.17, 95% CI, 1.48 to 34.8) and BMI >30 kg/m 2 (adjusted OR 3.02, 95% CI, 1.16 to 7.86).Conclusion. There were similar clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome in both age groups. The proportions of children with metabolic syndrome were similar regardless of age group. The overall prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was 27.3%. In view of the alarming presence of components of metabolic syndrome even in children less than 10 years of age, efforts aimed at the prevention of childhood obesity in the community should be intensified.

Childhood obesity accelerates biological ageing: is oxidative stress a link?

“…The mechanism of impaired liver function is reflected in increased in vivo fatty acids synthesis from excessive intake of carbohydrates in prolonged period. In this study, fasting glucose concentration of obese children was higher than in control children, although still in normal fasting reference range, which is comparable to the results of previous investigations, indicating normoglycemia in obese, otherwise healthy children and adolescents (28,29) . Significantly increased HbA 1 c levels of obese compared to lean children, even all values in the reference range, is an alarm considering that obese children's HbA1c median value equals 75 th percentile value of lean children.…”